I would like to think that I'm like most people when it comes to Rihanna. Throughout her career, I've enjoyed some of her radio hits, though never being too impressed by her talent or stage presence. When it came time for her to release her fourth album Rated R, I was hoping for her to stick with the strengths of her last effort Good Girl Gone Bad, but due to her having quite a bit to think about & doing an unavoidable amount of growing over the past year, I didn't know what to expect. At first, I thought Rated R was a decent album, but needed more of the uptempos I had been expecting. However, as Entertainment Weekly recently said when naming Rated R the year's Best Pop Album, time certainly paints a much different picture!
Katharine McPhee's upcoming sophomore album Unbroken (January 5th) is now available for streaming HERE. Some tracks are better than others, but have at it! Note: The tracks are all out of order, but you can check the blog's archives for the tracklisting.Usher has shot a commercial promoting the upcoming NBA All-Star Game, which takes place in Dallas in February. It's set to the tune of "More," a new song from the Raymond Vs. Raymond (March 1st) sessions. Naturally, being that he's Usher, the so-so song has leaked in full already, so take a listen below:
More
Since filing for divorce, Avril Lavigne has kept busy getting those endorsement checks. Her latest is for the new Canon camera & features her song "Innocence" off The Best Damn Thing. This is lovely, but I was thinking of something more along the lines of that new album...
Spike Lee has directed a music video for Michael Jackson's song "This Is It" lifted from the soundtrack to the movie of the same name, which will be released on DVD January 26th. The tribute clip truly is touching, honoring the late King of Pop while unavoidably reminding us all that he really is gone. We must remember though that MJ will forever live on in our hearts.
Right before Christmas, Mary J. Blige was gettin' that Stronger With Each Tear promo in down to the wire. She performed "I Am" directly after an interview on The View where she discussed her many, many activities from this past year. I hope you did enjoy your Christmas Day, Mary, because you certainly deserved it. I know I enjoyed it by listening to a bit of your new album!
Happy Holidays From Woody & Buzz
Melanie Fiona & Brian McKnight "Someday At Christmas"
Melinda Doolittle & Friends "Jingle Bells"
Jordin Sparks & Gang "I'll Be Home For Christmas"
[Source]
The first performers for the 2010 Grammys have been announced. They include Beyonce, The Black-Eyed Peas, &, allegedly, Jennifer Hudson. It's only appropriate for 10x nominee Beyonce to be given the opportunity to rock the house, so at least we have something to look forward to! The show airs January 31st @ 8/7c on CBS.Nicole Scherzinger, who helped judge NBC's 4-night event The Sing-Off, performed "You Don't Own Me" with finalists the Beelzebubs on the show's finale. This one's for those who wonder why I love Nicole so much!
"More Than Love," featuring Fabolous, is the third single lifted from Amerie's new album In Love & War. "More Than Love" is neither my favorite nor my least favorite song on the album, so its being chosen as a single is fine. This video is much better than I thought it would be. I really like videos like this that have a storyline & are interesting to watch. I really hope Amerie finds some success with this single or that'll probably be case closed, so somebody request this somewhere or something! lol
In news that makes me especially giddy, Angels & Airwaves have just premiered the first single "Hallucinations" off their forthcoming third album Love, which, as you can see, is set to be released on Valentine's Day 2010. As you can also see via my Songs Of The Moment, I kindasorta LOVE it! This is such a perfect opportunity for you to jump on board as well because AVA are offering a FREE download of "Hallucinations" right HERE. In other words, get to listenin' & feel the LoVe!
David Archuleta "Pat-A-Pan"
Katharine McPhee "I'll Be Home For Christmas"
Both with new albums to promote, David Archuleta & Katharine McPhee performed Christmas songs during Larry King Live's holiday special last night. So, who's stalking who here? (jk!) They both did well, but I'm particularly excited about having a televised performance of "Pat-A-Pan" from Mr. Archuleta. David's Christmas From The Heart is out now, while Katharine's sophomore album Unbroken drops January 5th. Thanks for reminding me that I need to listen to your album, Kat!
Mary J. Blige gave her millionth performance of "I Am" off Stronger With Each Tear at the 11th annual A Home For The Holidays special. A million times, yes, but still doin' it well!
Our first look at Fantasia's upcoming reality show "Fantasia For Real" has arrived. The show looks like it'll be quite entertaining & is one not to miss. Keep an eye out for it in January on VH1.
David Archuleta sang his rendition of "Angels We Have Heard On High" beautifully on FOX & Friends in support of his Christmas album Christmas From The Heart. Will ya look at that? Yay for 100 David Archie posts!
The machine known as David Archuleta kept that Christmas promotion going, err, spirit alive with a performance of his very own "Melodies Of Christmas" on Live With Regis & Kelly. He sounded great & with all that recent touring & it being a morning show, I simply don't know how! (lol) I'd also like to mention that I finally got (my mom to sit down long enough) to finish David's Billboard concert & WOW! That second half with the classic Christmas songs & those strings accompanying him was simply breathtaking. I'll for sure be pulling out my Christmas From The Heart CD to enjoy as many more listens as possible before Christmas!
UPDATE: Check out JoJo singing part of "Winter Wonderland":
Keri Hilson helped administer Plies' "Medicine" during their recent video shoot for his new single off the forthcoming Goon Affiliated. Keri absolutely kills this hook! She looked fine too. It's too bad the video looks painfully horrid. I also happen to despise Plies; a 'goon' indeed.
"Angels We Have Heard On High"
Interview
David Archuleta did right by his holiday album Christmas From The Heart with this appearance on the Today show, which included a showstopping performance of "Angels We Have Heard On High." Let's see, Archie... by my count, you went on three full-fledged tours, recorded this album, & began writing for your sophomore pop album this year. Sir, I believe you have earned the right to relax & enjoy your holiday!
Just in time for Christmas, the amazing Vonzell Solomon has presented a trio of holiday songs with the launch of her new official site. You can listen to them below...
I've tried to convince you, but don't take my word for it. Head on over HERE & experience the soulful joys of Mary J. Blige's new album Stronger With Each Tear for yourself!
"Whataya Want From Me"
Interview
Adam Lambert made a refreshing appearance on The Jay Leno Show, where he performed "Whataya Want From Me" off For Your Entertainment & sat down for an interview. I say refreshing because while ABC was again discussed, the majority of the interview was about *gasp* Adam's background & passion for music! I also must say that despite initially sighing at the thought of watching yet another "WWFM" performance (I do think they pounced on this song too soon & should've promoted the title track here & there instead; heck, it was doing better than his new single for quite a while on iTunes with no promotion whatsoever), this one was very impressive! Not that they aren't all... I also have to mention that I think his hair looks phenomenal!
Jennifer Lopez recently held a listening party for her upcoming album Love?--seemingly despite its newly pushed-back release month of April--where she played the majority of the album's tracks, which means several new details have emerged! The inclusion of the Wynter Gordon-penned "What Is Love" (see below) was confirmed, while a "What Is Love (Part 2)" exists, but may or may not make the final cut; Wynter also wrote an uptempo called "Everybody's Girl" for the album. Another leaked track, "One Love" (see below), will be included on the album, as will a ballad entitled "Beautiful," which is being considered for use in Jennifer's April 16th film "The Back-Up Plan" as well. Danja produced "Keeper," another track set for inclusion, as well as "Love & War," which may or may not make the final tracklisting; a song that has now been confirmed for inclusion though is "Fresh Out The Oven." I love both "What Is Love" & "Fresh Out The Oven," so that's definitely good news. I'm also liking their idea about coinciding the release of the album with the movie, but with "Louboutins" having just been released digitally (download HERE), April seems much too far away. Ah well; if this leaked material & producer names like Danja are any indication, Love? will be worth the wait!
Mary J. Blige releases her new album Stronger With Each Tear today. The album features the Drake-assisted "The One" as well as "I Am." As you can see, I gave the album a pretty positive review, so I would recommend getting your copy. You can do that one of two ways: Either purchase the CD using the widget to your right or click HERE to buy the digital album for only $3.99 (with two bonus tracks)!
Stronger With Each Tear is Mary J. Blige's third studio album in a row to be released at the last possible second right before Christmas. I remember this because every other year, December means it's MJB time! Mary especially 'broke through' to me with 2005's The Breakthrough & offered a solid follow-up in 2007's Growing Pains. Now, after a very busy fall of mostly soundtrack appearances, Mary is back with a new effort all her own, but how does it measure up to her previous work?
The Goo Goo Dolls are currently prepping for the release of their next album. Titled Something For The Rest Of Us, the album is due to be completed in February & set for release in late spring. The band has already performed a couple of the album's tracks, "The Sweetest Lie" & "As I Am," for a special that will air Christmas Day. For one, I'm loving that album title. The more it sinks in that the general public couldn't be bothered by the presence of actual talent from actual artists on the radio, the more I cherish the real music that gets released by talented folks such as these. Also, I loved their last album Let Love In, so I look forward to hearing them again in 2010."I Am"
Interview
Mary J. Blige both sang & was interviewed on stage while visiting Jimmy Kimmel Live! Her new album Stronger With Each Tear drops tomorrow!
Even more details have been revealed about Mariah Carey's upcoming Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel remix/features album. The release date for the album has been set for February 23rd & although which tracks they are featured on is TBA, additional guests on the album include Mary J. Blige, Snoop Dogg, K-Ci & JoJo, & Fabolous. Also, it warms my heart to report that this project will be treated as a brand new one from a promotion standpoint, with Mariah set to finally tape that VH1 Storytellers appearance in January. Note that an official title & final tracklisting for this remix album will be revealed soon. Hallelujer!
[Source]
The Black-Eyed Peas were also featured on Walmart Soundcheck recently, where they performed a set in support of their very successful latest album The E.N.D. Unfortunately, I'm gonna have to recommend that you NOT watch these performances, especially if you have the slightest hint of a headache, as they are just noise. (OK, fine. I enjoyed Fergie flaunting her 'lovely lady lumps' again.) I'll give you the option though... & on top of that, if YouTube rips aren't your thing, view the performances in HQ by clicking on the banner below:
Now-former Day26 member Que revealed via Twitter this week that his fellow bandmates have decided to move on without him. Considering the drama constantly caused by Que as seen on Making The Band, this news isn't particularly surprising. I wish them all the best of luck as they go their separate ways & I look forward to what Day26 will have to offer in the future."Russian Roulette"
Interview (Pt. 1)
Interview (Pt. 2)
Rihanna was a guest on this past week's Friday Night With Jonathan Ross while on the UK promo tour for her new album Rated R. Uh, since when is RiRi the most entertaining person in interviews?! Also, a bit of news. I've decided that since I can't stop listening to it, I'm gonna do a mini review of Rated R pretty soon!
Alicia Keys pretty-fies the cover & inside pages of Giant magazine's latest issue. Her fourth album The Element Of Freedom is out now & at the more-or-less request of a friend, I'm gonna spend some quality time with the album as it plays on my headphones & see if my opinion of it improves...
